Zarafshan- Tina Kalivas

There are only a few Tinas' that have a special place in my heart- Tina Marie, Tina Turner and now designer Tina Kalivas!



Tina has done it again with her new range called "Zarafshan" this Aussie native got her inspiration for her new line from a community of Arab women that lives in the suburbs of San Fransisco. She fuses Arab military elements with the countries' ethnic icons/symbols for a strikingly sexy and provactive aesthetic. These pseudo-cocktail dresses can be paired down with sneaks al a' M.I.A. or with some basket-weeve sandals or Jeff Cambell booties.

Hard Graft - Do More with Less

I just stumbled upon these ill iPhone/iPod holders from Hard Graft. Made from 100% wool felt and premium leather, these pouches offer a fresh alternative to the hard black or clear plastic cases that we've become accustomed, while still being highly functional. These cases can easily move from boardroom meeting to kickboxing class with aplomb.

Hard Graft also makes a slick ______ bag ... it's so versatile I don't know what to call it! You can rock it as a messenger or book bag or even folded over like a clutch - depending on your mood or needs. Three fly bags in one - any extra value in a recession is all good.

Another Shoe-stallation

Bebe

Warning! Major footwear straight ahead!

Spring 2009 designers really want women to jump into the deep end when it comes to fashion this season. Whether we're talking S&M details, metallic hues, or futuristic silhouettes, 2009 is going to prove to be the beginning of something exciting in fashion.

Report Signature

With that said, womens' footwear, having suffered from lackluster sales for the past two or three years is finally putting its best foot forward, so to speak. Designers are adding tribal details, vibrant colors, and sky-high heels to entice bored shoppers.


Rock & Republic

I say, "Game on"...

Boots Sans Pants?

Style P is wondering: is it possible to substitute sky-thigh boots for pants? As reported by New York Magazine, it just may be that Prada is issuing an affirmative!



Prada sent a few models down the runway in an interesting take on sexiness - boots with halters, heels, and heft graced the ladies' thin thighs, without the additional adornment of the not-so-necessary pant.
.

Though SP is not quite on the bandwagon with this look, it could prove to be the hottest take on on an alterna-pant since the legging. Time will tell...

* photos from nymag.com

Bliss Lau: Beauty of the Body

Bliss Lau in her creation

Over the weekend, I had a chance to speak with a jewelry designer, Bliss Lau. She makes things of beauty to adorn the body. Her body jewelry - reminiscent of tools of the S&M trade in a very GOOD way - is definitely for the hard-rock, powerful babe who wants to go strong with her style.


Bliss Lau - the back

I particularly love the Hug Tight in cobalt, which can be worn either as a body jewelry or as a more demure necklace. The collection includes necklaces, boleros, bracelets, and footwear adornments.

Style any of these pieces with Report Signature's Downey platform sandal, black leggings and a body-con McQ by Alexander McQueen tunic.

Nice, very nice.

Sartorial Survivalist

It's a hard out here for the sartorial specialist...so you know what we do? We become survivalists! We wade through the muck of out-dated style, over-styled rubbish, and style failures and we come out on the other side triumphant!

Be you in all that you do. No question: life is short. Style hard.

Intimate Rendez-vous

I found this little video clip from JCReport covering a small tradeshow- Rendez-vous ,which is usually held in Paris but recently popped off for the first time in New York. Rendez-vous's, niche is showcasing emerging designers and their collections reinforcing the notion that bigger is not always better at least as it relates to fashion tradeshows. In the clip they shout out labels such as Corpus and Surface 2 Air just to name a couple. Unfortunately the host of this clip is very unorganized and needs help remembering the designers that they like! Which is the dog on purpose for the video!! Anyway here it is. Hope you all do better catching the names then I did.

Tim Dandy

So, I caught wind of designer Tim Hamilton while perusing NotCouture.com. As a menswear designer, Mr. Hamilton has had his collection out and about generating press for two years, and it looks to keep getting better and better. For Fall 2009, the aesthetic is slim, sleek, and pared down. Let's call the overall look sexy-prep.

For more, check timhamilton.com.

I would say this collection is perfect for the daring man willing to don body-conscious apparel on his trim frame and take himself on a jaunt throughout Europe and fashion-forward Asia.

Go ahead, boys, get your dandy on...

* photo from men.style.com

Easily the Dopest Video in 2009! - Kanye West ft. Kid Cudi (Welcome to Heartbreak)

KANYE WEST "Welcome To Heartbreak" Directed by Nabil from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.
This so funny I have to you let you all into my mind real quick. While contemplating on what to write to you people I saw a video interview with Kanye West by Details Magazine(www.details.com)since he is don'n the cover of this month's issue of the men's fashion magazine. As I'm watching this video an overwhelming feeling of indifference came upon me because how nauseating it is to hear one man spend almost the entire interview on a narcisistic rant. Note, talking about himself why people ask why talks in third person he says, because I'm a "walking brand" so on and so forth, notwithstanding the reality of that statement. Yet, it still left me wondering is this all he plans to give his loyalist fanbase on live tv when he isnt performing music. Shallow egotistical rhetoric! Anyway, the caviot of this is that I didnt quite want to be controversial or contrary to my true feelings either about it. Please dont take this as I'm hating dude because I really like Ye he is making history no doubt! That's why instead I wanted to post this video and some commentary on the ingenious quantum-progressive musical work of Mr. West. This song is already and instant favorite of mine. Just sometimes I wish someone could WAKE UP MR. WEST!

Style & Substance

While perusing on www.columbusunderground.com I came upon a story that refreshed my soul and reminded me PROGRESSIVE STYLE IS THE SUBSTANCE OF FASHION!The story was about a new boutique called- Substance, located in the Short North of Columbus,Ohio. Owner/Designer Christina Kitatu is responsible for bringing a new fashion retail concept that focuses on an open creative process by engaging customers in the design process itself. Designers help shoppers create their own pieces that exemplify their own personal style. It's invariably a dynamic and academic approach to connecting with the shopper. Substance offers primarily women's apparel,accessories and shoes. Each collection is designed from recylced overstock and outdated clothing. So not only is the customer experience dynamic but they actually make the customer feel that they are giving back to the enviroment or to a charitable cause. Could this be the beginning of an influx of new progressive fashion we'll just have to see. If you're ever in Columbus,Ohio pivet down to the Short North that your day may be filled with style AND substance. http://www.shopsubstance.com/

Up Your Suit Game - Antonio Azzuolo

Over the past ten years Mr. Azzuolo has been in the lab creating fresh suiting for ultra lux brands like Hermes,Kenzo and has most recently worked as the Creative Director for Ralph Lauren's Purple/Black Labels. His first independent line debuted last year this time and he is going hard again this year. As we all know fall season is always the most coveted and therefore pressure intense season of the year for designers especially. With seemingly effortless craftmenship and satorial flavor he delivers once again with his Fall 09 collection. In this collection he showcases his affinity for the classic design aesthetic but updates the silohettes with modern and novel detailing. This makes me look at my closet with utter shame and disdain..lol!

Lady in Red

In acknowledgement of Lover's Day, I decided to post a fashion photo of a model killin it in the color that can make the average women irrestible.. RED!! She is sophisticated,elegant,bold and unapologetically SEXY! She is rockin sexy red vintage Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses. I think I'm in love!

Fashion F*kery Courtesy of Kinna Leblanc

Fashion Fcukery from JKL on Vimeo.

Shop Sweden's MiniMarket

Welcome to Stockholm, Sweden and here to let the world know Swiss fashion is in the building is MiniMarket! Fresh from checking out posts on emerging designers I stumble upon MiniMarket making their Sweden Fashion Week debut. I decided to post this pic because it was very Charlie
's Angelesque. Mini's novel detailing, impeccable construction and sophisticated silohettes are breathtaking! Too bad they are not yet available in the states. No worries, you will surely see these Swiss mini's in a market near you.

Americana Done Right

Gilded Age is one of my favorite lines! They embody a classic Americana design aesthetic that I definitely identify with. Gilded Age clothing is inspired by America's "gilded age" where in the early 18th century the Northeast experienced the industurial revolution. Due to the proliferation of cotton and textile mills all along the Northeast coast denim production quickly became a widespread and lucrative industry. It's the spirit of that era that influences the creative direction of this label. Each piece is hand crafted from organic artisanal fabrics and natural dyes from their denim to their cardigans. Whoever thought that you could say progressive fashion and blue-collared in the same sentence. So, if in college you sucked at history then you've earned half a credit from reading this. Eh, maybe not but it's still good to know right! For coppin superior Americana flavor go to http://www.shopstyle.com/

Jefferey Campbell Gets Biker-Chic

These booties are crazy biker-chic which seems to be a trend that I'm seeing more and more for Fall 09. These are so ill...it always adds another level of intrigue when you're dating a chick who dresses like she can beat yo a**!! Ha! Buy some of these kick a** booties from Jefferey Campbell at http://www.oaknyc.com/search/jefferey_campbell

King of the Lo Heads- 88 Keys

Big Labels are F*k'd- Wrath Arcane

I couldn't help but to explore the irony behind the Cleveland based design label, Wrath Arcane (which by definition means ; silent anger and forgotten rage) timely and virtually prophetic tagline! Big labels ARE f*k'd , with designer houses such as, Itierre filing bankruptcy, departments stores like Macy's consolidating cutting 7,000 jobs. Wrath Arcane was started by Brigade boutique owner, Brian Oneill and Cleveland designer and friend Sean Bilovecky in 2006 and has quickly grown into an international design label. They block the faces of their models because they believe that quality design of their clothing will compel their customer to buy what they offer, not the models. FIGHT THE POWER!! Lol...my bad..I just had a Public Enemy moment. But this is a revolutionary direction that they are taking with their business model. And not to forget that the gear is dope as hell! Here are some pieces from their Fall 09 collection.. Big Labels you're definitely f*k'd! One! To shop Wrath Arcane visit http://clothingbrigade.com/

Warhol Watches

che guevarra as painted by Andy Warhol

Warhol15 is a collective set up to sing the praises of the iconic artist and pop figure, Andy Warhol. Combining a kitshcy style with a fashion sensability has yielded the group a distinctive set of timepieces sure to be attention-grabbers and conversation-starters.



The group maintains that Andy Warhol's ideas about what was popular in American culture and his passion for creativity are what drives them to pursue this avenue. And naturally, as fashion is subjective - as also attested to by SP - the group chose an interestingly subjective medium to present a timeless instrument with such an iconic approach.

Pop over to 15minutesof.com to get your slice of culture for anywhere from $35-$150; you'll also find some free downloads there to stimulate your inner-artista.

Cudi Gets it in Day & Night

Looks like it's going to be Kanye-day...

Next up is the prolific one's protege, Kid Cudi. The good folks over at FlavourMag.com just finished a nice little interview with the 24-year-old artist, who is currently visiting our brothers-from-another-mother on the other side of the pool (aka London, England).



From the interview, dude seems like he's on some different things. Check out the Youtube of his new video Day 'N Nite. The cut is a mix of R&B and dance with a nice undercurrent of hip-hop.

Based only on the video, my opinion is that the look and the man should fill the vacuum between Gen X'ers and Y'ers in search of a younger, freer, happier Kanyeze.

Fresh Design

I ran across Ibn Jasper's blog (who styles for Kanye West) and fell in love with a pool table he featured.

I know what your thinking, what could be so great about a pool table. This design, created by Craig Nottage during his senior year at design school, is most def a fresh take on the billiards game. With a special blend of glass and resin, Craig was about to develop a table that is both visually enticing and useable!

If you have 40 stacks laying around, you can bring a fresh perspective to your own living room, your family room...or at that price, even your garage. Otherwise, you can get like me and drool over the innovative design.

See more at nottagedesigns.com.

Flight of Fantasy

This is the kind of design that SP lives for - a design aesthetic that seeks to enhance one's individuality, a use of imagery in fabrication that is meant to underline the wearer's creativity and emotional connection to their personal look.

Marjan Pejoski is one such designer that gets it. He gets that there are those walking among us who don't want to be one in a sea of many, people who prefer to stand out in stylishly progressive way. His designs are artistic and pay great attention to detailing; the womenswear collection is both sensual and playful, the menswear line somehow is as well - but in a more masculine form.

I was so enamoured with the womenswear that I had to cop a couple of pics for your viewing pleasure. Be sure to stop by marjanpejoski.com to view more confections by this talented designer.




* photos from marjanpejoski.com.

In & Out

It's so not p.c. to big up other blogs in such blatant fashion, but I just got whiff of M.O.B.'s blog.

Yo, they have a In & Out session set up on the site that you just have to see and read. Most funniest and a great way to cap your night...or get your giggles in your cubicle or whatever.

Anyway, pop by M.O.B. and check 'em while they get busy doin' it wild.

* pic is from MOBliving.com.

The Man in the Room

Kris Van Assche.


A young protege direct to you from YSL, and now artistic director for Dior Homme, Kris brings love for the modern aesthetic to the runways with his self-named line.

One only needs to see a few details from his line to understand his love for the game - the play - of fashion. In true dramatic form, Kris melds modernism with a laissez-faire attitude, which metamorphosizes the wearer into an upgraded, more chic version of his former self.

My best advice is to find your nearer stockist and cop just one piece, so that you too can become the man in the room.



* photos from Fall 2009 collection at krisvanassche.com.

The LV Don ups the Ante

So it's finally official. The product shots for the Kanye West x Louis Vuitton sneakers we've been hearing about since at least last spring are finally here. Expect these to come in red, white and black of course. These will also be available in high's and Kanye confirmed he has the ladies covered with their own line. Per Kanye, “I couldn’t do a collection without including the ladies … I used to shop for the perfect sneaker for my girlfriend,” he posted on his blog, http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/ ,“It may not seem like it sometimes, but I do it for the ‘hood!!! I go hard! I begged them to make these!!!”

Watch for these to be coming to a LV store near you in June.

I've Got it in the Bag...

So I think it's time I gave up my ten year old The North Face bookback and went with something a bit more sophisticated and stylish. Something that's casual but that can do double duty at the office, if need be. I'm leaning towards the messenger bag at left. I like the utilitarian, uncluttered look and even the angle cut on the flap - it adds just enough detail to make it interesting. I also appreciate that it hasn't been treated with a distressed or "used" look. Just like a good pair of raw denim, this will allow the bag to take on it's own personality as you use and perhaps abuse it, hopefully racking up the kind of nicks, stains, burnished hardware and patina that only come with time. Check for it over at Tanner Goods. I'm also looking at a couple of contenders and I think either below would fit the bill nicely - What do you think?


This bag is by Custom Hide. I like it, but I'm not sure about the shoulder straps...however they have the same model without the straps too. Custom Hide can also hook you up with a bespoke bag based on your specifications.

Last up is a bag from Saddleback Leather. I like this one as well, but I'm not sold on the color or finish...hmm, well at least it's good to know there are choices out there! All three are made in the good ol' U.S.A. and run around 300 bucks.

Fresh Cupcakes Served up by Artist - Jon Contino

If you didnt know, Style Progressive is not only committed to being the ultimate purveyor of superlative style and elevated fashion. But we folks - are urban tastemakers of the ARTS. So now that we are aquainted I need to tell you about artist, Jon Contino. Most noted for his novel street culture graphic branding , illustration and has recently added hand-drawn lettering (Letter Cult)to his portfolio . I was first introduced to his work through following Broooklyn Circus ,the fresh cut-sewn streetwear clothing brand. In the header of our blog we feature one of his pieces and which is by far my favorite piece to date. Its clear that this NY native's , edgy, whimisical and unapologetically raw style is influenced by the city streets of Brooklyn. I will be checking back in on him from time to time to give you the latest oven-fresh cupcake. Because, right now I have a full plate..so hey, get your own! Live 2008 interview with Jon Contino courtesy of francoshade.com http://vimeo.com/2902936

Free the Robots: Listen to the Future

style progressive is all about collaborative efforts. Free the Robots, part of a collab with Jazz + Milk - a production team out of Europe - has been making illy jazz-tronic music for lovers of all things jazz, hip-hop, and electronica in one big mash-up.

Check out Lil Man as he bashs his plush toy's head to FtheR's "Listen to the Future". Yeah, the song is hot...



You can pick up the entire LP on ITunes or check out more at their MySpace here...

Futuristic Funk

I've been digging on JF+Son for quite some time now.

JF is an emerging line, popping its thing off from New York. A collaboration between designer and artist, JF has created several collections that deserve the attention of women who are into avant-garde fashion.

The design aesthetic for Spring/Summer 2009 is a combination of futurism - with it's heavy use of metallic tunes - and minimalism, as evidenced by the team's simple, body-conscious silhouettes.

Invest in these pieces to make a statement at a dinner party or gallery opening. You are sure to be the most popular girl in the place...

See more at jfandson.com.

"The Devil Wears Prada" - The True Story!

For the first time ever the ultra-exclusive clandestine order called, the "fashion industry" has given the world it's own version of the Davinci Code! The September Issue, Anna Wintour and the Making of Vogue by R.J.Cutlers (Director)premiered at Sundance Film Festival this past Friday. In the film Cutler is given incredible unprecedented access to the editorial process of the making of the 2007 September issue of Vogue. Which has been tagged the "fashion bible". If you are living on any of our solar systems other eight uninhabited planets and don't know who Anna Wintour is, she is the Editor-in-Chief at Vogue Magazine. Whom was portrayed by Meryl Streep in the 2006 movie, "The Devil Wears Prada". Ok, now are y'all with me? Shall I proceed then. In the film, Cutler follows Anna and her editorial team around getting an intimate account of the preeminent control and influence she has over not only the mag's creative direction but her weight in the fashion game PERIOD! If you happen to own the most prestigious and now most coveted, 2007 September issue of Vogue which was eight months in the development and weighs five pounds. Lucky f'n you! I posted this for all you crazed fashion enthusiasts. One word - INDULGE!

WE KNOW WHAT YOU LIKE- I LIKE THIS JAM!

I Know What You Like! from Ryan Leslie on Vimeo.

For the Real Man!

I dont know about yall but Fall fashion season is by far my favorite and checking out Bottega Veneta's 2009 Fall Collection you can see why. Fellas take it from me, your girl would love to see you bringing home the bacon in this leather shawl bomber and matching duffle bag. Like Tom Maier (Creative Director for Bottega Veneta) many other designers echoed the sentiment of being drawn to the "real man and his real needs" this season. Can't take all the credit for this post, because the truth of the matter is, is that my homegirl Khori shout out Bottega and I had to see what it do! Thanks baby girl.. a good look no doubt. http://www.wwd.com/fashion-season-microsite/mens-fall-collections-2009/review/bottega-veneta-mens-rtw-fall-2009-1927339

Get Munny!

Ok, so I may sound like the biggest kid ever, but there's a toy that I really really really want and can I have it right now? As in, today? As in, can we go to the store and buy it?

KidRobot, the buzz-heavy concept store dealing in gadgets clothing and culture, has the sweetest little toy any adult could ever want. Munny, a design-it-yourself vinyl figurine, will inspire the artistic Gepetto in all of us. Use anything you want to style your little friend, then cuddle him like the little Pinnicho he is (though hopefully, Munny will never come to life. That'd be kinda nutz.)

Enjoy yourself by expressing yourself, maybe your masterpiece will end up in KidRobot's virtual showcase.

* Mad Barbarians Munny doll from KidRobot.com

Sophie, Sophie...

If you've ever dreamed of yards of silken fabric in luscious tones, of ruffles fluttering prettily against your skin, of looking the classic embodiment of femininity, then your dreams have come true.

Sophie Theallet, a French transplant now abiding in New York City, has just released her third collection of beautiful frocks designed to exude romanticism, femininity, and style. While I wouldn't necessarily classify Theallet's collection as progressive, it is so stylish that I just had to bring her to your attention.

I can just imagine swinging through the streets of Paris in one of these beautiful frocks. Can't you? The line retails exclusively at Barneys and Jeffrey.